Hello from the Two of Us!

[Leah&Henry]

Another neighbor here! I'm originally from Cincinnati and now reside in Columbus, Ohio. Welcome from Henry the boxer and myself! You're in good company, especially with so many members who own Aussies!

Leah

[Avery&Kristen]

Thanks and hello everyone!

Avery didn't have the best day today - she wants nothing to do with being outside and can't wait to get back in the house, which seems crazy to me! She lost interest in playing ball in the back yard in no time, and couldn't wait until we turned back on our walk to return home.

Also, just after we had had a session in the yard - during which she never relieved herself - she came back in the house and went straight the closet in the guest bedroom and let loose. And the real kicker - this happened twice! So I grabbed her up and carried her out as fast as I could, but she still didn't go outside once we were there.

Do you suppose the previous owners of the house had an animal who left scent in that closet?

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

First thing in the morning, every puppy has to go really badly. When you are outside with her and she is successful, you should be making a fuss. Praise, praise and more praise. If she will not go first thing in the morning, put her back in the crate for maybe 2 minutes, as she is so young. Take her outside again. Once she is successful, praise.

You have to capture the desired behaviour. The puppy has no concept of what you are asking. She should not have been able to go into the closet after being outside and not relieving herself. She should have been contained, especially after the first time. Those are your mistakes, not hers!

Also, when you take her outside to do her business, do not instigate play until AFTER she has done her business. You want to equate going outside with relieving herself. She will learn to play there later.

I know you are trying really hard, and it is hard. Until she is at least 12 weeks, she won't have a clue about what her body is doing. At 12 weeks, you may only receive a hint that she maybe, just possibly, might have to go. It's up to you to spot that hint and be successful getting her outside in time, when she "asks".

Use each accident as a learning tool. If you always have an eye on her, you will start to know the signs. Lastly, always use the same door to exit so she knows that is the place to go and ask.

Hang in there! Last summer for me was arduous as Henry had the misfortune of being sick, so I had to housetrain a pup with constant diarrhea. It worked and he is just past 1 now and I can't remember the last time he had an accident. The time you put in now makes it all worth while to have a dog you can "trust" to not have accidents for the next many, many years you'll share.

Keep us posted.

[Muzzlenuzzles]

Hello from another neighbor! I showed Avery's picture to my husband and kids and they oohed and aahed over how extremely cute she is.

Good luck with the housetraining! We just recently got through that stage here (at least, I think we're through it!) and it's nice to be past it. If you follow Oliver and Henry's Mum's advice on this (or on anything, for that matter), it should go well.

Best wishes from Mary Ann, Jasper and Bella in Indiana

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

[Avery&Kristen]

I appreciate all of the tips! I do know that it is my fault (and she wasn't supposed to be in the closet in the first place - I went in to get something and she was there before I knew what had happened) and will be vigilant to do better.

Avery hasn't had a single accident all day today!




*Edit: fixed the photos

[RubyJeansMom]

Avery hasn't had a single accident all day today!

Good job to you and Avery.

Yes, puppies are fast...LOL! She will keep you on your toes.

[snifferspommom]

I'm a little late on the welcome wagon so welcome, from Sniffers and his mom in America's Dairyland!
Avery is such a cutie!! Keep up the good potty training!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Well done Avery!!! She is certainly adorable and the photos are lovely. What a sweet, sweet face.

You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work! I'm sure you will find you have more and more days of successes as the two of you grow together.

[Maddii]

Hiya.. Avery is lovely. My 'better' half farms sheep and cattle and loves this breed and all sheepdog breeds. They are very intelligent. I have just got a CKCS pup 'Jasper' as a playmate for my other CKCS 'Shannon', they are bonding at last which is a huge relief. Jasper seemed to toilet train himself quite quickly too but then also had a few accidents so as mentioned before just keep at it and give plenty of praise. Good luck you'll get there in the end

[kian]

Forgive me but as I catch up I couldn't help help but smile about the housebreaking. It takes time, lots of it and patience just as O&H Mums advised you. You have a black coated dog and they don't like the heat, so it is natural to want to run back to the cooler house.

I have 2 Aussies, a Mini Tri and a Standard Blue Merle. My Mini Tri Allie hated the heat when I went through housebreaking with her. It took lots of patience, many walks and consistency. The accidents in the house were MY fault, not hers. I was the one who slacked off and yes some days were better than others. I never took her out when didn't pee so I never had her come in and do that. I have the experience there and you will too.

Your pup is adorable, enjoy the hyper excitement and if you need any help, we are here! Phyrie, has a great, sarcastic sense of humor and that is perfectly normal! We all love her here.

[Avery&Kristen]

Just a quick update!

Avery is growing a lot - she is now a whopping 13 pounds. She is doing well with housetraining, almost 2 weeks accident free. She will sleep in her crate through the night with the door wide open. She is shy but friendly and curious around strangers and seems to want nothing to do with other dogs - they either wont play with her, or she's afraid of the ones that will.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

She sounds like a delightful little girl. It's ok if she is shy and doesn't necessarily want to play with other dogs. She's still a baby.

It sounds like the house and crate training are going well. Good for you...keep it up! Avery is a smart girl.

I love the pictures! What a little darling she is! I could not stay mad at that face. Very, very cute

[Avery&Kristen]

She is certainly impossible to stay mad at!

I know she will need some sort of stimulation to satisfy her herding instinct, but don't really know what types of things to get her involved in for that purpose.

Right now, she isn't very swift on the uptake of 'tricks,' except for sit and lay, but seems very competent at more practical talents, like 'wait' and 'leave it.' I suppose she will be more interested in 'tricks' when she's older?

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I absolutely LOVE the first picture! That is just beautiful. The smile on her face, as she runs towards you is pure bliss, and such love. All of the pictures are gorgeous. Avery is growing into a beautiful girl!